No matter the party, there's always going to be a Little Black Dress, platform shoes that give way to bare feet come midnight, chandelier earrings and the clutch bag you were too polite to tell your mum you didn't really want to borrow. There are some party favourites that endure beyond seasonal trends. Others come and surprise us like the last bottle of champagne hiding at the back of the fridge: a welcome treat that makes an evening a little bit better.
Recently on the red carpet, there's been a resurgence in stars stepping out in the 80s-favourite taffeta that makes for party dresses packed with old-school appeal and that natty nod to nostalgia few of us have been able to resist over the past few years. Florence Pugh chose a teal shade for an off-the-shoulder Valentino gown at the Little Women premiere, while others like Selena Gomez in a slinky lime version by Versace, Normani wearing winter white by J'Aton and Rihanna in a dress by her Fenty line have all embraced a touch of silky shine with their recent options.
As with most trends, this one starts with Miuccia Prada. At her autumn/winter 2020 Miu Miu show, puffed-out skirts in this retro textile were styled in earthy shades and camo or rosebud prints for a fresh take on the fabric. Soon worn after by Dina Asher Smith. While Valentino, Marc Jacobs and Gucci have also offered their take catwalk on taffeta, usually packed with the kind of voluminous appeal that is best befitting of this fabulous fabric.
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The high street has options for you to pick up for your Christmas events too, with Topshop packing out its party season collection with taffeta on puff-sleeved blouses and tiered dresses. However, this trend is best fulfilled the authentic way by rummaging your local vintage and charity shops for the real deal that can then be altered to suit you and the 2019 way to wear.
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Taking taffeta into a new decade is all about how you style it. If you're wearing a bountiful party dress, keep things simple with barely there sandals and a velvet ribbon slung through the hair. Yet, if your party piece is more early-00’s Paris Hilton consider: “How would the heiress wear it?” The answer is always with rhinestones from top-to-toe. Take some bling and then add some more. But for this party season swap out stilettos for chunky black boots.
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